PARTICIPANTS

The Hon. Gary Doer, Manitoba

Sworn in as Manitoba's 20th Premier on October 5, 1999. Gary Doer was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was first elected MLA for Concordia in 1986 and leader of the New Democratic Party in March of 1988. After the 1990 provincial election, he became Leader of the Opposition. In 1995 he was re-elected MLA for Concordia and continued to serve as Official Opposition Leader.

As Premier, Mr. Doer leads a provincial government focused on enhancing and protecting the public health care system, expanding education opportunities by increasing college programs and reducing post-secondary tuition fees, and promoting and developing Manitoba's vast hydro resources for the future benefit of all Manitobans. Mr. Doer has also overseen two consecutive balanced budgets and reductions in personal income and business taxes.

A major priority for the Premier is protecting and enhancing Manitoba's precious water resource. This includes new initiatives to safeguard drinking water and improve public access to our waterways. Mr. Doer also remains committed to promoting Manitoba at the local, national and international level by building on past successes such as The Forks--a popular downtown Winnipeg tourist destination, attracting both Manitobans and out-of-province visitors.

In 1986 in his previous term in government, Mr. Doer was Minister of Urban Affairs where he played an instrumental role in the creation of The Forks and other downtown renewal projects--a commitment that continues today. Gary also served as Minister of Crown Investments and Minister responsible for the Telephone Act, and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission.

Mr. Doer's previous community activities include Vice President - Manitoba Special Olympics; Board Member of the community-owned Winnipeg Blue Bombers; Prairie Theatre Exchange; the Niagara Institute; and, Board of Governors for the University of Manitoba.

Gary is married to Ginny Devine and they have two daughters.